Parade

The legendary singer-songwriter George Michael was honored at the 2026 MTV VMAs.

Artists such as Sombr, Teddy Swims, RAYE, and Adam Lambert paid tribute to the Wham! frontman at the awards show on Sunday, Sept. 27, in Los Angeles

“George Michael was a pop god. He became an international superstar at only 19, writing and producing hit after hit, ruling the charts and paving the way for so many of us,” said Orville Peck at the event. “His music and videos were timeless anthems and powerful statements against the establishment. ‘I Want Your Sex’ was so raw that MTV ran a disclaimer in front of it.”

The “Dead of Night” singer added, “‘Freedom! ‘90‘ catapulted the era of the supermodel and the iconic outside was a reclamation of his own narrative. His millions of fans around the world are about to experience the Faith Tour like never before. With an upcoming concert film and live album, tonight we celebrate his legacy with some special guests who love him just as much as we do.”

The tribute continued with Sombr performing two of his most popular tracks: “Faith” and “Father Figure.” RAYE followed him with “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” which was originally sung by Michael and Aretha Franklin. Her rendition included the late singer’s vocals throughout the performance. Teddy Swims was the next to take the stage with “Careless Whisper.” Finally, Lambert closed out the tribute with “Freedom! ‘90.”

The award show honored Michael 10 years after he died at age 53.

To solve today’s NYT Wordle puzzle, think about the main body or storage compartment of a car, or the long nose-like appendage of an elephant.

But the day just isn’t complete until I’ve solved all of the free word games from the New York Times, including Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Strands, and Mini Crossword. If you’re stuck on today’s Wordle answer, we’re here to help—but beware of spoilers for Wordle #1927 ahead.

Let’s start with a few hints.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There is one vowel in today’s Wordle.

What kind of letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s Wordle begins with a consonant.

Are there any double letters?

There are double letters in today’s Wordle.

Can you give another hint about today’s Wordle?

A hint for today’s Wordle: has numerous meanings, including the body of a tree and the long, flexible nose of an elephant.

OK, that’s it for hints—I don’t want to totally give it away before revealing the answer!

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

We’ll have the answer below this friendly reminder of how to play the game.

SPOILERS BELOW—do not scroll any further if you don’t want the answer revealed.

The New York Times

Today’s Wordle Answer for #1927 on Monday, September 28, 2026.

Today’s Wordle answer on Monday, September 28, 2026, is TRUNK.

-If you missed it, catch up with the answer to yesterday’s Wordle.

Related: Every 5 Letter Word Wordle Hasn’t Used Yet (Updated Daily)

When Star Trek: The Next Generation was initially conceived, it wasn’t expected to be as successful as it was. In fact, it wasn’t made for one particular broadcast.

The series, which premiered on Sept. 28, 1987 as a first-run broadcast syndication premiere, introduced the world to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Patrick Stewart took on the role, but he didn’t unpack his bags at first. He was so sure that the series would be canceled after one season that he was ready to move back to England. 

Instead, the series, which would bring an 18-year small screen Star Trek drought to an end would fundamentally change how first-run syndication worked in U.S. television. It marked the official rebirth of the universe, and it would pave the way for many other spinoffs. In fact, it had its own revival via Star Trek: Picard.

It nearly didn’t happen though if Paramount didn’t take a risk. At the time, first-run syndication was mostly used for daytime talk shows and low-budget comedies. The idea of a high-budget sci-fi drama being made without a set home was ludicrous.

After 18 years of the series being off the air, networks didn’t want to take the risk at first. They wanted to see a pilot before even considering a 26-episode pick up and allow Gene Roddenberry the creative freedom he wanted. Paramount could have walked away, but decided to create the show and then sell it station-by-station, making it clear that the blessing of the “Big Three” didn’t mean a mainstream primetime hit couldn’t happen.

On top of that, TNG was given to networks for free. Paramount bartered for seven minutes of national commercial time for each episode, and that commercial time was sold to the likes of Coca-Cola and whoever Paramount thought would buy it. The remaining five minutes of ad time would remain with the networks for local businesses, and it worked. By the end of the first season, Paramount was making more than $1 million per episode via the ad revenue, fully funding the production budget and more!

CBS Photo Archive / Getty Images

It changed everything about the industry, helping to keep good shows on the air. In fact, many other shows followed suit, including Baywatch (after NBC canceled it), Babylon 5, Highlander: The Series, and Xena: Warrior Princess.

To make it all the more wild about the success of the series, Stewart wasn’t even the first pick, with creator Roddenberry wanting someone who was “masculine, virile, and had a lot of hair.” Well, that didn’t describe Stewart at all! Yet, there’s no way that we can imagine someone else in that role.

He would help to create the “Picard Maneuver” though, which is something many TV shows have copied over the years. All that bore out of back pain that the entire cast suffered from throughout the first two seasons. The uniforms were actually one-piece Spandex costumes that were a size too small to prevent wrinkles. As everyone suffered from injuries, Stewart spoke up and threatened legal action.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3, the costumes were changed to jackets and pants. However, the jackets would tug up when the characters sat down, and Stewart would pull the hem down when standing.

It all worked out, and Star Trek: The Next Generation is one of the most successful spinoffs of all time, sitting up there with The Simpsons, NCIS, Frasier, and Better Call Saul. If you need to rewatch the magic, you can now stream all episodes on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Jacob Roloff is not backing down.

The Little People, Big World alum, 29, continues to keep fans informed on the ongoing drama with dad Matt Roloff as he prepares to move off the family farm. On Sunday, September 27, Jacob shared an update, claiming that he’s being forced to leave his home and his job largely because of uncontrolled weeds around his private property.

“In this little drain area, there’s a bunch of river rock, and our gutter drains here. So there’s some thistle, there’s some blackberry—weeds,” he showed followers alongside his home. “That’s the type of stuff that’s getting me kicked out of this place. No joke.”

He then showed footage of his driveway, with short weeds growing along the side.

“I weed this every once in a while, but I don’t want to waste all my time doing that sort of stuff when you could just weed whip it right before an event. Or weed whip it every two months instead of every two weeks,” he said. “Oh, and I haven’t mowed our front lawn in a while. It looks ok. It’s long, but it looks ok. This is the type of stuff that’s getting me kicked out because apparently it looks like s–t.”

Jacob — who shares son Mateo with wife Isabel — hinted that he’s been pressured to use chemical weed killers, but refuses due to possible health risks.

“Course we could spray RoundUp everywhere seen in this video!” he captioned the video. “But I don’t want Mateo to get Hodgkins Lymphoma, and some people are not concerned about that despite him being a barefoot farm kid who goes everywhere. And there’s no flagging when things do get sprayed 👀.”

In a follow-up video, Jacob explained that he and his cousin, who also helps maintain on the farm, were instructed to abandon their work in the pumpkin patch in order to landscape the property around the main house as Matt prepared to list it for sale.

“At a crucial moment where this field could have been weeded by hand—because we have no mechanical weeders—we were called over to the house that’s for sale to do some landscaping over there,” he explained. “It was like, this is what’s gonna make it sell, finally. Of course, it hasn’t. Basically to the detriment of these pumpkins and the harvesting time, we beautified a speculative asset, real estate asset.”

He continued, “Those are the sorts of contradictory priorities that I just don’t understand, I guess. Maybe I’m business-ignorant, but we’re doing a pumpkin season, it seems pretty smart to invest in getting the pumpkins harvested…But if I speak, I’m in trouble.”

Jacob, who previously revealed he’s been working for a “very low wage” for years, added that he was not in a position to argue with his father on the matter.

@jacobroloff

Saved “the farm” time and money on landscaping for a speculative real estate sale only for the actual sole revenue generator to suffer for it 👍🏻👍🏻 if only there were a way to invest in what makes money, instead of “staying flexible” hoping for a buyer in the worst real estate market since 2008 lol. FWIW I knew this would happen, but I needed hours and money because I am a WORKER and TENANT FARMER who doesn’t have “flexibility” to do what makes sense, if management doesn’t approve. I clock in, do what is needed, and am entitled when I say “maybe we do it differently” 🤷🏻‍♂️ #helvetiagardens #rolofffarms #fyp

♬ original sound – jacobroloff

“I needed hours and money because I am a WORKER and TENANT FARMER who doesn’t have ‘flexibility’ to do what makes sense, if management doesn’t approve,” he captioned his post. “I clock in, do what is needed, and am entitled when I say ‘maybe we do it differently’ 🤷🏻‍♂️.”

The drama between Jacob and Matt has been ongoing for weeks as they prepare to open for what may be the final pumpkin season.

Earlier this month, Jacob threatened a “labor stoppage” after “management” insinuated that he isn’t doing his job.

According to the former reality star, he previously agreed to a $28,000 per year salary, of which 30 percent “goes straight back to who pays me” in the form of rent, in order to save the farm money.”

Taylor Swift’s music video for her new song “Patient Zero” has officially made its world premiere at the MTV Video Music Awards. Starring Dakota Johnson and Colin Farrell, the new video opens with Swift joining Johnson in a graveyard. The two play doppelgangers, living parallel lives as Johnson recovers from a toxic relationship with Farrell’s character.

The video takes a twist at the end, as it’s revealed that the footage of Swift and Farrell’s character happened before he poisoned and murdered her.

“Swift’s character is a ghost looking after Johnson, writing a warning in blood for her to ‘run,’” Today wrote.

As Johnson leaves flowers at Swift’s grave, her tombstone reads, “Beloved wife and daughter gone too soon.”

After the video premiered, Swift took to social media to share the story behind the video. She said she got to explore “the cinematic and literary dramas [she] love[s] so much.”

“The ‘Patient Zero’ video is finally out in the world,” Swift said. “I wanted to incorporate elements of gothic ghost stories, true crime, psychological thrillers all in a setting I hadn’t really shot in much. The house was a metaphor for the coldness of a relationship that’s faded and atrophied.”

The Patient Zero video is finally out in the world! Getting to work with Emmanuel Lubezki was something out of a dream sequence, and I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action. I want to thank Dakota and Colin for trusting me with their time, taste, and talent… pic.twitter.com/vkLCO167Ea

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) September 28, 2026

Swift thanked Johnson and Farrell for trusting her with their “time, taste, and talent.”

“Giggling with your friend because you’re twinning for an entire shoot was a new and truly delightful experience,” Swift continued. “And Colin’s turn as a villain is even more impressive when you get to be around him. He’s an absolute light and as kind as they come.”

“Patient Zero” was directed by Swift, with cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki. She said that getting to work with Lubezki “was something out of a dream sequence.”

“I learned so much from getting to watch his genius in action,” Swift said.

The “Patient Zero” music video premiered at the MTV VMAs and is available to watch now on Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music.

Keely Shaye Smith, the wife of beloved film star Pierce Brosnan, looks happier than ever as she celebrated her 63rd birthday with her husband over the weekend.

Brosnan, 73, who has tackled diverse roles in films ranging from Mrs. Doubtfire to James Bond flicks like Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, is back in the spotlight with his role on MobLand. Despite his success on the film and TV screen, the Irish star is still utterly devoted to Smith. The couple looks more in love than ever in a sweet selfie taken to celebrate Smith’s birthday.

“Thanks for all the birthday love! It has been a magical weekend. ✨🙏✨,” Smith captioned the photo.

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 

How Long Have Pierce Brosnan and Keely Shaye Smith Been Married?

25 years! Earlier this summer, the duo celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a touching throwback photo.

“Happy 25th wedding anniversary my love! What an adventure life is with you.
Looking forward to the next 25 years beside you @piercebrosnanofficial ♥️,” Shaye captioned the photo series, which showed the duo doing everything from smooching on the red carpet to strolling through the surf on the beach. Scroll through to the final slide to see a sweet selfie of the duo celebrating their big anniversary.

View this post on Instagram Paris Brosnan is a Successful Artist

Victoria Sirakova / Getty Images

Paris Brosnan has inherited both his father’s artistic talents and his good looks. One look at Paris, and it’s safe to say the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. But despite his success behind the canvas these days, the artist recently told HELLO! he never intended to make art his career.

“It was a way to get something out that I didn’t have language for,” he told the publication. “I’d go through periods where things felt really heavy internally, and painting was how I processed that weight. I never planned to turn it into a career.”

Back in February, Paris debuted his new works from his new art collection, “Collective Energy,” at Clarendon Fine Art in London. Pictured alongside his father, there’s no doubt that the dynamic duo is related. With sharp jawlines and handsome smirks, it’s safe to say that Paris is a chip off the old block.

Dave Benett / Getty Images

Related: Pierce Brosnan and His Handsome Son Make a Rare Red Carpet Appearance Together

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

You don’t need to splurge on a new couch or embark on a full-blown home makeover to make your space feel like a bit more charming. Sometimes, it’s the tiniest swaps that do the most — like a sweet planter or a nature-inspired bedding set that makes everything feel a little more like home If you’re in the mood for a low-effort refresh with high payoff, the Deogos Small Wooden Bird Desk Lamp checks all the boxes.

Right now, Amazon has this sweet little light for just $14. It’s a small-but-mighty accent that adds a cozy glow and a touch of cottagecore charm, making it an easy way to freshen up your space. Do you really love it? Good, because there’s also a set of two available for just $25 (a deal!), since you wouldn’t want your little birdie to be lonely, would you?

Deogos Small Wooden Bird Desk Lamp, $14 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

This lamp is designed as a softly stylized bird, blending sculptural charm with warm ambient lighting. Its body is split between a smooth, glowing white form that acts as the light source and a wood-grain exterior that wraps over the top like a natural “feathered” shell. The wood finish has a light oak tone with visible grain patterns, giving it an organic, handcrafted feel, while the rounded, minimal silhouette keeps it modern and playful. 

The bird’s head is gently curved with a small, pointed beak and a carved eye, adding detail without breaking the clean lines. It stands on a matching wood-grain pedestal base that flares slightly at the bottom for stability, but it can also be detached and hung on the walls or ceiling using the provided ring. When lit, the white portion emits a soft, diffused glow that feels cozy and calming — perfect for a bedside table, desk, or a shelf.

Deogos 2 Cute Bird Lamps Combo, $25 at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at Amazon

Beyond its looks, it’s surprisingly functional. A simple tap on the top lets you cycle through three color temperatures — bright white for clarity, neutral for everyday tasks, and a warm glow that’s perfect for winding down — while a long press adjusts the brightness to your liking. 

It’s cordless and rechargeable, powered by a 2600 milliampere-hour battery that fully charges in just a few hours, with a discreet port tucked beneath the tail. As a final thoughtful touch, the top includes a small well for essential oils, so you can add a few drops and let it double as an aroma diffuser, bringing a calming scent into your space.

Dubbed as a “delightful way to light up any area” by shoppers, this “cute-as-pie” lamp has earned plenty of praise in the reviews section. “While being beautiful, this bird is so utilitarian, has so many settings, and goes with just about any decor,” one shopper wrote, adding, “The controls are easy to use and self-explanatory — just touch, and hold for brightness or dimming!”

Another reviewer highlighted that “even unlit, it is really a great addition to decor,” pointing to its “adorable” design and “sleek” wood-grain look. 

Related: Amazon’s Magical Cottagecore Lamps Are an Instant ‘Ambient’ Upgrade — and Start at Just $19

At just $14, the Deogos Small Wooden Bird Desk Lamp proves that small updates can make a big impact. Add it to your Amazon cart and give your space a literal glow-up.

Don’t miss future deals! Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

It’s officially fall—which means the leaves are starting to change color. And yes, we still have a good few weeks to enjoy that gorgeous fall foliage before the leaves start to fall, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning what to do with those leaves.

Many homeowners simply rake the leaves, put them in bags and throw those bags away, destined to rot in a landfill. However, throwing away your fall leaves is essentially throwing away a free gardening tool. Not only that, but doing so is also pretty environmentally-unfriendly.

🪏🪴SIGN UP for the Dengarden / Parade Home & Garden newsletter for a weekly dose of our favorite house hacks, decor trends and shopping deals🪏🪴

To learn more about what we should do with fall leaves, we consulted with two expert gardeners: Amanda Webb, Head Gardener at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve in Tennessee, and Angie Kristoff, founder of the blog Angie’s Recipe Garden and a Denver-based home gardener.

Below, the two gardening pros discuss the issues with bagging autumn leaves and share seven brilliant ways to use these leaves throughout the year.

Related: 45 Most Common Houseplants to Grow in Your Space

The Problem With Bagging Fall Leaves, According to Gardeners

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

“The biggest problem with bagging leaves is that we’re treating something valuable like trash,” Webb explains.

“Leaves are full of nutrients and organic matter that belong back in the soil, making them a free source of mulch and compost,” she says. “Unless they’re covering your lawn so heavily that they’ll smother the grass, there’s usually a better use for them right where they fall.”

Kristoff agrees, explaining that “the issue with bagging leaves is complex.”

“For starters, bagging leaves takes up space in the landfills. Leaves are organic, and there are many uses in and around the garden versus sending them to the landfill,” she explains. According to the MIT Climate Portal, if you care about protecting the environment, a landfill is actually the worst place to throw organic waste. In a landfill, organic matter like leaves won’t be able to naturally decompose, and it will instead produce methane, one of the worst climate-heating gases.

Plus, “leaves create homes for many beneficial insects and create a natural fertilizer as they break down,” meaning it can be worthwhile to leave some of them be on your lawn, according to Kristoff.

Related: Why Your Hydrangeas Are Wilting Even Though You’re Watering Them, According to Gardeners

7 Things to Do With Your Fall Leaves Instead of Throwing Them Away, According to Gardeners

Here are Kristoff and Webb’s suggestions for using your fall leaves.

1. Shred the leaves and use them

Caroline Munsterman / Getty Images

“One of the easiest things homeowners can do is simply move leaves into their garden beds and around trees and shrubs,” says Webb. “I especially like to chop them up first with a mower or leaf shredder, because smaller pieces break down faster and are less likely to form a thick, wet mat. They help hold moisture in the soil and gradually add organic matter as they decompose.”

Similarly, in the winter, Kristoff recommends that people “shred the leaves and use them in the garden, or use a lawn mower to mow the leaves and allow them to sit over winter in the grass.”

As she explains, shredding the leaves before scattering them over the grass “ensures the leaves break down. Leaves that are not shredded tend to create mats and likely will not break down enough before the next season. Using the lawnmower also means the grass can still get sunlight, which reduces the risk of the grass dying under a mat of leaves.”

2. Use whole leaves as filler

Shredding or chopping leaves can be time consuming and it’s not for everyone—but fortunately, there are alternatives.

“If you don’t have access to a leaf mulcher, an alternative option is using the whole leaves in the garden,” especially in raised garden beds and potted plants, says Kristoff.

“In the past I have placed 4-6 inches of leaves on top of my garden soil and covered in burlap bags to keep them in place over winter,” she explains. “When it came time to plant, I cut a hole in the bag where I wanted to plant, moved the leaves and staked down the edges to keep the leaves out while the seed sprouted. After the seed sprouted, I moved the leaves back as mulch. That season I had fewer weeds and cooler soil.”

In these spots, you can use the whole leaves as a base layer, which “means using less soil, having a lighter pot and you still get the benefits of the nutrients as the leaves break down.”

Additionally, Kristoff sometimes uses whole leaves when she’s “transplanting into the garden as well, just a handful of leaves in the hole and then the plant on top.”

Related: Fertilizing These 9 Plants in Summer Can Do More Harm Than Good—These 5 Still Need It

3. Add leaves to your compost pile

Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images

“Leaves are one of the best materials you can add to a compost pile because they provide the carbon-rich material that balances out things like kitchen scraps and fresh grass clippings,” says Webb.

“If you have a lot of leaves, don’t be afraid to save a pile of them and add them to your compost throughout the year,” she adds. “Over time, they’ll break down into rich compost that can go right back into your vegetable and flower gardens.”

4. Use leaves as insulation

Kristoff says you can use leaves to help insulate perennial plants during the cold winter months.

“Leaves are a great insulator when paired with a rose collar or a burlap sack to keep the leaves in place,” she says. “Then in the spring, the leaves can be dug into the first few inches of soil in the garden bed. This method allows the leaves to break down a little over winter and then continue to nourish your soil during the garden season.”

Webb agrees, noting that fallen leaves can make a great “natural winter mulch.” She advises putting “a loose layer around perennial plants, bulbs, shrubs and even certain vegetable crops,” as this “can help insulate the soil and protect roots from repeated freezing and thawing.”

She adds: “I prefer keeping the leaves loose rather than packing them tightly against plant crowns or stems, especially around plants that are susceptible to rot. By spring, much of that material will have started breaking down and can be incorporated into the soil or simply left in place.”

Related: I Thought I’d Ruined My Tomato Garden—Turns Out This Common Problem Has an Easy Fix

5. Mow the leaves into your lawn

Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

“If you have a lawn, you don’t necessarily have to rake every leaf off of it,” says Webb. “Running the mower over the leaves and leaving the small pieces in place allows them to  break down and return nutrients and organic matter to the soil.”

That said, you’ll want to make sure to do this very thoroughly. “The important part is making sure the leaves are chopped finely enough that they don’t sit on top of the grass in a thick layer,” she explains.

6. Make a leaf mold tower @thegardenerslodge

🍂🍁Planning to create Leaf Mould this Autumn? It’s not just easy; it’s a boon for your garden. Leaf mould decomposes far more effortlessly than regular garden waste and boasts a weed-free guarantee, comprising solely fallen leaves. 
Any leaves will work, even Australian natives, though some might require a bit more patience in breaking down. The methods for making leaf mould vary, some simply leaving them in a perforated plastic bag. Personally, I’ve opted to roll mine into some old chicken wire to reduce plastic usage.
After rolling, a thorough watering and a few months of patience are all that’s needed. Then, you have a nutrient-rich addition ready to enrich your garden soil or even create potting mix for indoor plants. 
🌸🌼 I’ve created a FREE Australian native garden design for you! 
It’s easy to follow and totally adaptable to your space. 
Link in Bio for your complimentary download. 🌸🌼
#thegardenerslodge #thelodge #garden #gardening #gardener #aussiegardening #austrliangardening #gardeningaustralia #gardendesign #bluemountains #sydney #landscapedesign #landscape #natives #austrliannatives #compost #herbs #leaf #leafmould #leafmold #leafcompost

♬ Sit Back – Bequem

A leaf mold tower is essentially a pile of leaves in an enclosure. Over time, the leaves will naturally decompose into a leaf-based mold. This mold is rich in valuable nutrients that you can then use in your gardening, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

“This option works best with shredded leaves, but whole leaves can be used and will take longer to decompose,” says Kristoff. “Leaf mold towers are pretty hands-off once the leaves are in the tower.”

Here’s how to create your own leaf mold tower, per Kristoff: “Add leaves in layers, soaking as you add the leaves. If you live in a drier climate, you will need to water the tower every few weeks to ensure the decomposition continues. Leaves can be used at any stage, but it is best after a year or more, and the leaves have fully decomposed.”

Kristoff says this her “favorite method because it gets the leaves out of my way, and I can decide what I want to do with them later after they have already started breaking down.”

Related: 12 Good Luck Plants to Fill Your Home with Good Vibes

7. Give the leaves away

“If you don’t have a use for the leaves, post them on local groups for free pickup,” Kristoff suggests. Personally, I love giving away things like this on my local Buy Nothing Facebook group.

“One year I picked up 30+ bags of leaves from people for the community garden,” she says. “Finding a local community garden and asking them if they’d like the leaves is also a great idea. The bonus for the garden was that we not only had leaves to use in our plots, but we also got to save the bags and use them during cleanup days. Giving the leaves away is a very low-effort way to keep the leaves out of the landfill.”

Up Next:

Related: Don’t Wait Until Spring to Plant These 7 Flowers—Gardeners Say Getting Them in the Ground Now Can Mean Stronger Blooms Next Year

Sources:

• Amanda Webb is the Head Gardener at Windy Hill Farm and Preserve.
• Angie Kristoff is the founder of the blog Angie’s Recipe Garden.
• Organic Waste. MIT Climate Portal
• Create a leaf-mould cage. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

For nearly 50 years, the Skywalker Saga has been the part of Star Wars that has been core to the franchise: one family pulled between the light and the dark. When The Rise of Skywalker ended in 2019 with Rey taking the Skywalker name on Tatooine, it looked she may have buried the Skywalker saga along with the lightsabers. But it looks like Disney may be preparing to bring them back.

Jon Watts, who directed Tom Holland‘s three Spider-Man films, is now attached to direct the first installment of a new trilogy written by Simon Kinberg. The project is intended as the next chapter of the Skywalker Saga. Nine episodes came before it, which would make this one Episode X.

Knight Edge Media broke the story, citing two sources who said Lucasfilm was circling Watts for the job. Deadline and TheWrap followed with confirmations of their own. Lucasfilm declined to comment.

The detail longtime fans will fix on is Rey. According to THR, Daisy Ridley‘s Jedi would appear in the new trilogy in some capacity. Knight Edge Media reports that she is expected back as Jedi Master Rey, though the size of her role remains unclear. It also reports that a standalone Rey film was set aside so Episode X could move forward.

Related: Mark Hamill Was 25 in ‘Star Wars,’ Today He Turns 75 as Darkwing Duck

Watts is not new to the galaxy. He co-created the Disney+ series Skeleton Crew, which starred Jude Law, and directed its first and final episodes. His Spider-Man trilogy grossed more than $3.9 billion worldwide from 2017 to 2021. THR described him as a dependable pick for a franchise with a well-documented history of director turnover.

Kinberg brings his own Star Wars history. He co-created the animated series Star Wars Rebels and spent years writing and producing the X-Men films. His hiring to write and produce a new trilogy was reported in late 2024.

Nothing is final yet. THR’s sources said Disney has not officially given the project a green light, although it appears to be the furthest along of Lucasfilm’s films in development after Star Wars: Starfighter. There is no release date. TheWrap also noted that some insiders describe the trilogy as a standalone “new saga” rather than a continuation, a distinction Lucasfilm has not addressed.

Starfighter, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Gosling, is set for theaters on May 28, 2027. It is a standalone story set five years after The Rise of Skywalker, and its release falls in the 50th anniversary year of the original 1977 film.

If the Kinberg trilogy moves forward, the story that began with a farm boy on Tatooine would add a tenth chapter. Watts would also join George Lucas, J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson among the filmmakers who have directed an episode of the saga.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Nick Nolte is the kind of Hollywood actor many of us still picture from the 1980s and ’90s. He was the unmistakable leading man of films like 48 Hrs., Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Another 48 Hrs., becoming one of the most recognizable faces of his generation. Now, at 85, Nolte has three films on the horizon, a surprising reminder that the movie star many of us grew up watching is still very much at work.

Nolte has been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable and unique leading men for more than five decades, but his stardom reached a fever pitch in the 1980s and ’90s. He earned a 1991 Oscar nomination for his performance opposite Barbra Streisand in The Prince of Tides. His performances in 48 Hrs., Down and Out in Beverly Hills and Another 48 Hrs. cemented his movie star status, and he was even named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1992. But it was Nolte’s gruff real-life persona and unmistakable screen presence that helped make him an icon.

Nick Nolte Was One of Hollywood’s Biggest Stars in the ’80s and ’90s @user1820702153225

Nick Nolte Legendary Star At 85 #nicknolte

♬ Original Sound – Unknown

One of the rare Hollywood actors to maintain leading-man status for decades, Nolte continued working steadily as his career evolved. He appeared in films including Warrior, Tropic Thunder, A Walk in the Woods and Angel Has Fallen, gradually transitioning from leading-man roles to character parts that allowed him to explore a different side of his talent.

Rather than disappearing from Hollywood, Nolte found a way to keep working on his own terms, taking on roles that further cemented his legacy while introducing him to a new generation of movie fans.

Related: ‘Mad About You’ Star, 63, Praised by Fans for Aging Naturally: ‘Refreshing to See an Actress Without a Fake Face’

Nick Nolte Makes Rare Public Appearance at 85

Spotted heading to his car recently, the 85-year-old film legend continued to embrace the bohemian style fans have grown accustomed to over the years, fitting perfectly with the persona of an actor who has always made his own rules.

Fans have called him “beloved” while taking to social media to share their favorite Nick Nolte movies. Others have described him as “kind-hearted” and “a fantastic actor.”

Nolte has always been something of an enigma. From his portrayal of vulnerable everyman characters to his often-reclusive public persona, he has managed to carve out a career in Hollywood by being completely himself.

Nick Nolte Has Three Films Coming Out at 85 @primemovies

Robbing the robber. Crime 101, streaming now. #Crime101 #BarryKeoghan #NickHolte #Movies #MovieClips

♬ original sound – Prime Movies

Now, Nolte is looking ahead to his next chapter. He’s set to appear in Company, directed by Casey Affleck, which premiered this summer at the Venice Film Festival.

He also has two additional upcoming projects on the horizon, Shelter Me and Condemned to Love. He appeared in Crime 101 earlier this year, making the run of projects an especially notable one for an actor who first became a household name more than 40 years ago.

That’s what makes Nick Nolte such an interesting Hollywood star. Even at 85, he’s looking ahead, continuing to work and choosing characters that challenge him as an actor.

Rather than simply catching a glimpse of a Hollywood luminary we remember from the 1980s and ’90s, we’re seeing an actor who is still evolving, still creating and still completely himself.

Related: Figure Skating Legend, Known as ‘Fred Astaire on Skates,’ Has Fans Saying Thank You for Bringing Back His Iconic Performances

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Sometimes hit songs take a few years to get right before they’re released, like with Blondie‘s timeless new wave track, “Heart of Glass.”

Band members Debbie Harry and Chris Stein initially wrote the song in 1974 and recorded a demo the next year. But despite their best efforts, trying different genres and vibes, they couldn’t seem to get the right sound for a few years.

In a retrospective interview with The Guardian, Harry said of the song, “‘Heart of Glass’ was one of the first songs Blondie wrote, but it was years before we recorded it properly. We’d tried it as a ballad, as reggae, but it never quite worked.” They put it on the back burner for a time, until a new producer named Mike Chapman asked them about all the songs they’ve written.

They attempted to finish it again, trying new things, including the Roland Drum Machine that was being introduced at the time. Harry admitted that there were mixed opinions about their choice to use it.

She said, “Back then, it was very unusual for a guitar band to be using computerised sound. People got nervous and angry about us bringing different influences into rock.” Thankfully, Blondie didn’t let the response stop them, and they released “Heart of Glass” on their 1978 album Parallel Lines. It was then released as an official single in January 1979.

Related: 1971 Country-Rock Hit, Written By a 26-Year-Old Rocker After Bandmate’s Death, Is Among The “Greatest Rock Song Lyrics” 55 Years Later

As for the final title of the song, Stein said he came up with the phrase “Heart of Glass” on his own, although at the time, the Werner Herzog film of the same name had been released only two years earlier, in 1976. Although unintentional, this forever linked the two pieces of media.

“Heart of Glass” was a certified hit. It topped music charts around the world, including in the U.K., U.S., Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and more. Over time, its popularity has only grown, and it’s recognized as one of the best songs to come out of the 1970s. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.

Related: 1969 Rock Song, Featuring a Famous Guitar Riff by Jimmy Page, Is Still a Global Hit 57 Years Later

Tool’s career-defining album arrived when the band debuted Ænima, a landmark release that helped establish the band as one of the defining acts of the 1990s alternative metal scene.

In a list shared by Consequence, the publication named the 60 Best Albums of 1996, with the rock band’s sophomore album claiming the No. 4 spot.

The publication emphasized how Ænima revealed Tool’s ability to create powerful, complex music without losing the heaviness that defined the band’s sound.

Consequence also praised drummer Danny Carey’s “overlapping rhythms made headbanging feel like solving a puzzle.”

Released in September 1996, Ænima became a multi-platinum album and earned Tool its first Grammy win when “Ænema” took home Best Metal Performance in 1998.

Vocalist Maynard James Keenan, bassist Paul D’Amour, drummer Danny Carey, and guitarist Adam Jones perform in Tool at English Acid on January 1, 1992

Lindsay Brice/Getty Images

The second studio album also marked a significant moment for Tool after Ænima debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 1996.

At the time, the rock band sold an impressive 148,000 copies in its first week alone.

Beyond the album’s success, its story is filled with fascinating details and surprising connections.

Apart from Ænima being a double entendre combining “anima,” a Latin word associated with the soul, and “enema,” a medical procedure involving the rectum, the album also served as a tribute to late comedian Bill Hicks, who passed away in 1994.

Houston standup comic Bill Hicks at the Comix Annex in 1984

Timothy Bullard/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

The band shared a personal connection with Hicks, along with mutual philosophical interests and deep respect for his work, as cited by Loudwire.

Tool also admired Hicks’ dark and provocative humor as well as his philosophical approach, which echoed some of the themes and attitudes featured in the band’s music.

Maynard James Keenan previously revealed in his 2016 biography, A Perfect Union of Contrary Things, that the band had reached out to the late comedian.

“We sent him copies of the album,” the lead singer recalled, as cited by Vice. “He wrote back and thanked us for the music. I called him and pointed out that we’d mentioned him in the liner notes. He hadn’t noticed.”

The album also featured excerpts from Bill Hicks’ stand-up performances before “Third Eye,” including material from “One Good Drug Story” and “The War on Drugs.”

Madonna made her big return to the MTV Video Music Awards and brought along some familiar faces.

During her opening performance of her hit songs “Bring Your Love” and “Danceteria Afterhours,” Madonna was joined on stage by famous friends Debi Mazer, Seth Rogen, and one of her more iconic ex-boyfriends.

“For those who don’t know, this hottie that Madonna grabbed by the butt is her ex-boyfriend Tony Ward,” one viewer tweeted before another added, “Just when we think Madonna can’t do more for the gays, she goes and delivers Tony Ward in a urinal at the VMAs.”

pra quem não sabe esse bofe que a madonna pegou na bunda é o ex namorado dela tony ward pic.twitter.com/ALy28LT3fF

— mafê (@madonnasjuicy) September 28, 2026

Madonna dated the model in the early 90s after he appeared in her music video for her song, “Justify My Love, which was ultimately banned from MTV due to its sexually explicit nature.

They dated for one year between 1990 and 1991, appearing together publicly and confirming their on-screen chemistry translated to real life.

Unfortunately, the couple split after it was revealed that Ward secretly married photographer Amalia Papadimos while dating Madonna.

Despite the split, they remained friends, and he appeared in her very controversial 1992 coffee-table photography book, Sex.

Years later, Ward opened up about the breakup, telling a Spanish newspaper in 2004, “Our relationship was pretty intense, but she treated me like a son, and I was looking for a woman, not for a mother.”

As for Madonna, she went on to date rapper Vanilla Ice after her split from Ward, before being linked to Dennis Rodman and Carlos Leon. She welcomed her oldest daughter, Lourdes, with Leon in 1996.

Ward was last linked to his partner, Angela Bruce. “My wife, Angela Bruce Ward, is an inspiration to do better every day. I was inexplicably drawn to her even before we met,” he told Vestal Magazine. “We had a romantic courtship through the airwaves before we met in person. It was like in Plato’s Symposium — the search for your other half, your soul mate.”

Brother Cane is spending the winter season on the road.

The band launched the Magnolia Medicine Tour after a long hiatus from recording to promote their new album, Magnolia Medicine, released in April 2026. They have spent the year playing shows alongside rock acts like Kansas and 38 Special, and now are going to continue to rock through a new leg of winter dates scheduled through December.

View this post on Instagram

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The new dates kick off Dec. 2 with four shows in Texas, including a Dec. 4 stop in Austin, where the Southern hard rock outfit will hit the stage again with Topeka legends Kansas.

Brother Cane Returned to the Road After a Long Break

Formed in 1991 in Birmingham, Alabama, by singer and guitarist Damon Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey, Brother Cane is known for its robust guitar riffs, gritty vocals, and distinct Southern hard-rock edge. During its rise in the 1990s, the band scored multiple hits on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, including “Got No Shame,” “And Fools Shine On,” and “I Lie in the Bed I Make.” The latter became the band’s second No. 1 on rock radio in 1998.

Despite success on rock radio, Brother Cane called it a day around the end of the 1990s after releasing its third album, Wishpool. The band later reunited for two shows in 2005 and a brief tour in 2012 before returning to the concert stage again in 2022.

During the years between those reunions, Johnson became a highly sought-after guitarist, touring with major rock acts including Alice Cooper, Thin Lizzy, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The catalyst for bringing Brother Cane back in 2022 happened while Johnson was touring with Lynyrd Skynyrd in 2021. He was surprised by how many Skynyrd fans approached him to share how much Brother Cane’s ’90s catalog still meant to them.

Moved by those conversations, Johnson reactivated the band in March 2022, bringing back original bassist Maxey and recruiting longtime collaborators including keyboardist Buck Johnson, who has performed with Aerosmith. The band’s first announced 2022 show was April 22 in Milwaukee.

Brother Cane’s ‘Magnolia Medicine’ Marks a New Chapter

What started as a return to the stage eventually evolved into a full-scale creative rebirth. In April 2026, Brother Cane released Magnolia Medicine, its first full-length album of new music since Wishpool in 1998—a 28-year gap.

Johnson has said the album represents a particularly meaningful chapter in his career. “Magnolia Medicine is my favorite album that I have made in my whole career,” he told Goldmine magazine earlier this year. “We created a record that we would want to hear.”

Producer and longtime collaborator Marti Frederiksen returned for the album, which also features guest appearances from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke on “Prince Charming,” a tribute to the late Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington.

Magnolia Medicine was released April 17 and contains 11 tracks.

Magnolia Medicine Tour tickets are now on sale at brothercane.com.

Related: 1996 Hit Anthem, Written at 16, Launched Its Homeless Singer to Stardom

Today’s NYT Mini Crossword answers cover a range of topics, including famous golfers, book adaptations, shortened names, generations, lumberjack tools, luxury watch brands, animal-related adjectives, slang for charisma, affirmative votes and words meaning “big.”

Working on the daily Connections, Connections Sports Edition, Wordle, and Strands is a whole ritual for many of us. And we can’t forget about the NYT’s The Mini Crossword, too!

Although the NYT is known for “The Crossword,” a larger puzzle for paid subscribers, The Mini has quite the fan following as well. This particular game resets at 10 p.m., unlike some of the others that start over at midnight.

So, if you’re working on today’s Mini Crossword on Monday, September 28, and need some help (I’ve been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both “Across” and “Down” words, followed by “Across Answers” and “Down Answers,” so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

Hints for NYT’s The Mini Crossword on Monday, September 28, 2026

Here are additional clues for each of the words in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Hints

1 Across: Golfer Mcllroy — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”

5 Across: What a best-selling book might be adapted into — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

6 Across: Nickname that drops “beth” — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

7 Across: Early 2000s babies are part of it — HINT: Starts with the letter “G”

8 Across: Tools for a lumberjack — HINT: Ends with the letter “E”

Related: 16 Games Like Wordle To Give You Your Word Game Fix More Than Once Every 24 Hours

NYT Mini Down Hints

1 Down: Watch brand with crown logo — HINT: Starts with the letter “R”

2 Down: Word like equine, feline or canine, but for sheep — HINT: Starts with the letter “O”

3 Down: Charisma, in slang — HINT: Ends with the letter “Z”

4 Down: opposite of “nay” — HINT: Starts with the letter “Y”

5 Down: “Big” prefix — HINT: Ends with the letter “A”

Answers to NYT’s The Mini Crossword for Monday, September 28, 2026

Don’t go any further unless you want to know exactly what the correct words are in today’s Mini Crossword.

NYT Mini Across Answers

1 Across: Golfer Mcllroy — RORY

5 Across: What a best-selling book might be adapted into — MOVIE

6 Across: Nickname that drops “beth” — ELIZA

7 Across: Early 2000s babies are part of it — GENZ

8 Across: Tools for a lumberjack — AXE

NYT Mini Down Answers

1 Down: Watch brand with crown logo — ROLEX

2 Down: Word like equine, feline or canine, but for sheep — OVINE

3 Down: Charisma, in slang — RIZZ

4 Down: opposite of “nay” — YEA

5 Down: “Big” prefix — MEGA

Related: NYT Mini Crossword Answers, Hints for Sunday, September 27, 2026

It may only be September, but Pillsbury is in full-out holiday mode.

Not even one week after announcing its Elf-inspired cookies would be returning to stores alongside a new cinnamon roll flavor, the iconic boxed cake mix and frosting brand is unveiling two more festive offerings, and they’re both tapping into one of the most quintessential holiday flavors: gingerbread.

“Gingerbread is one of those flavors that instantly transports you to the holidays, and we wanted to make it as fun and easy as possible to bring that into your home,” Dan Anglemyer, Chief Operating Officer at Hometown Food Company (the manufacturer behind Pillsbury’s shelf-stable products), shared in the Sept. 24 press release announcing the launch of its new Gingerbread Stuffed Cupcake Kits and Gingerbread Frosting.

Pillsbury Debuts Gingerbread Frosting and Stuffed Cupcake Kits—Here’s Where the New Holiday Treats Are Heading

Its new Gingerbread Stuffed Cupcake Kits follow the introduction of Pillsbury’s Pumpkin Spice Stuffed Cupcake Kits, which officially launched right before Labor Day.

Related: Pillsbury Reveals New Funfetti Frosting Inspired by the Latest Viral Baking Trend

And just like its fall-themed predecessor, each box makes 24 stuffed cupcakes. All consumers need to do is add water, oil, eggs and the provided (Kosher-certified) cream cheese filling to create a batter that will be stuffed with “a sweet surprise in every bite.” There’s no need to scoop the filling into the pans separately; a little holiday magic and some time in the oven are all it needs to create an ooey-gooey stuffed center.

“The stuffed cupcake format adds that extra element of surprise and delight—it’s the kind of treat that gets everyone excited around the kitchen,” Anglemyer added.

Pillsbury

And because every cupcake is better when it’s dressed up with a little icing (at least this editor thinks so), a matching gingerbread-flavored frosting is heading to shelves next to other Pillsbury faves.

The new frosting is smooth, creamy, ready-to-use and brings the “warm, cozy taste” of classic gingerbread spice to any baked good, from cakes to cookies, sweet breads, and even brownies. It also makes the perfect pair to the new Stuffed Cupcake Kit, as the 16-ounce jar contains enough frosting to decorate two dozen cupcakes. It’s also certified Kosher and even gluten-free.

Pillsbury said both its new Gingerbread Stuffed Cupcakes and Gingerbread Frosting will be available at select retailers, including Walmart, as early as this month (prices may vary)—but only for a limited time. Find them alongside other holiday favorites such as Pillsbury’s Perfectly Pumpkin cake mix, Holiday Funfetti cake mix and matching frosting.

Next: Tillamook’s ‘Best Coffee-Flavored Ice Cream on the Market’ Is Back—and So Is a Cozy Holiday Favorite

It’s Gym, Tan, Love for DJ Pauly D! The Jersey Shore star proposed to his longtime girlfriend in Las Vegas on September 27, 2026 — and fans captured the sweet moment.

The 46-year-old reality star asked his girlfriend of six years, Nikki Hall, 34, to marry him at the Omnia Dayclub during a pool party at Caesars Palace.

Hall was clearly surprised by the proposal as Pauly got down on one knee to pop the question with a massive engagement ring. The couple first met on the reality series Double Shot of Love with DJ Pauly D & Vinny in 2019.

They moved in together during the pandemic in 2020 and then went on to appear in episodes of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

View this post on Instagram

Earlier this year, Hall revealed she would love to marry Pauly D, but that the couple had not really talked about tying the knot.

“I would love for us to get there, but we haven’t had an actual conversation about getting married,” she said on the MTV show.

However, Pauly D’s co-stars are already huge fans of Hall and have welcomed her into the fist-pumping family.

“I feel like when Nikki’s around, Pauly’s more himself,” Nicole “Snooki” LaValle told Life & Style. “And he just seems happy. Like genuinely happy.”

She continued, “We love Nikki. Nikki’s great.”

Despite never being married, Pauly D did have a brief relationship with Amanda Markert, and the couple shares a daughter, Amabella, 13. According to Pauly D, Hall and his daughter have had an amazing relationship for years prior to his proposal.

“I told Nikki, I was like, ‘She’s just a mini-me.’ And I told Amabella the same thing, ‘Nikki’s great.’ And now they FaceTime every five minutes,” Pauly D told People in 2023. “Yeah, and they love each other, so I’m happy.”

Congratulations to the happy couple! We can’t wait for the wedding!

Madonna isn’t one to sit around waiting for a collaboration to happen.

After Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter won Best Collaboration at the 2026 MTV VMAs for “Bring Your Love,” the pop icon revealed the story of how the song came together, and why she eventually decided to take matters into her own hands.

“Everybody who knows me knows how impatient I am,” Madonna began, before dropping the bomb. “When five days passed and I still didn’t get connected with Sabrina and didn’t hear back from her about whether she wanted to do a song with me—5 days—I DM’ed her.”

Luckily, her directness worked. “And this is a true story, she answered me back and I don’t know, within weeks we were in the studio together. It was fabulous,” Madonna continued.

READ MORE: Madonna Shares Blunt Message for Fans at Her Concerts

Carpenter looked a little shocked at Madonna’s admission, and it’s safe to say, fans were too.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Variety (@variety)

“This was soooo awkward…. I felt like Sabrina wanted to hurry up and get off that stage…,” one Instagram user wrote in the comments of a clip of the moment.

“Idk it felt awkward and staged lol,” another pointed out.

“Sabrina’s signature laugh always hits during awkwardness,” said a third.

Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter took the VMAs stage together

Madonna opened the VMAs with her first performance at the awards show in 23 years, kicking off a club-inspired medley from Confessions II. Carpenter joined her at the piano for “Bring Your Love,” while Charli xcx later appeared for a remix of “Danceteria.” Julia Garner, Sombr, and Seth Rogen also popped up during the elaborate performance.

Madonna entered the night as the VMAs’ most-nominated artist with 13 total nods after additional categories were announced.

“Bring Your Love” wasn’t finished competing after its Best Collaboration victory, either. Madonna and Carpenter were also nominated together for Song of the Year.

Madonna won a handful of her nominations, too. She took home Artist of the Year and Best Album for Confessions II, plus Best Dance, Cinematography, Choreography, and Best Long Form Video for Confessions II – The Film.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

The two men standing beside Krist Novoselic said nothing at all. Dave Grohl and Pat Smear looked emotionally on at the picture of Kurt Cobain as Novoselic accepted the Video Vanguard Award for Nirvana at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, 32 years after Cobain’s death.

Public Enemy’s Chuck D introduced the honor. “Any great movement takes advantage of the moment,” he said. He described a band that “never bent to the will of the mainstream” and whose sound was “loud, beautiful, daringly open.” Nirvana’s lyrics, he said, were “poetic, raw, and deeply human,” and their music videos “defined an era.”

Chuck D said Nirvana’s influence can be heard in “virtually every generation of artists who followed.” “The most enduring artists are the ones who dare to be completely unapologetically themselves,” he said. “I don’t really think there’s ever been a band exactly like Nirvana.”

A montage followed, cutting between Nirvana’s best-known videos and archival interviews in which the band talked about making them. Cameras cut to Novoselic, Smear and Grohl in the audience as it played. It opened with the three members introducing themselves: “Hello, I am Krist, and I am Kurt, and I am Dave, and we are Nirvana.” Cobain was heard discussing “Heart-Shaped Box,” the video he said came closest to his vision. “That video has come closer to what I’ve envisioned than any other video,” he said. “I didn’t think it would ever be possible to come that close.”

When Chuck D returned, he kept it short. “It is my honor to present the VMA Video Vanguard Award to Nirvana,” he said.

Related: 34 Years Ago Today, ‘Nirvana’ Did the Impossible

Novoselic was joined on stage by Grohl and Smear, who did not speak. He thanked Nirvana’s fans around the world and everyone at MTV. “This award brings back so many memories of making those videos,” he said, recalling a dystopian pep rally with anarchist cheerleaders, the band’s version of an Ed Sullivan Show appearance and a performance in a Wizard of Oz-like field of poppies. “The ideas for those videos all grew out of the vision of one of the greatest artists of all time, Kurt Cobain.”

“Kurt was one of one,” Novoselic said. “None of us could have imagined that our band, our sound, or our aesthetic would mean so much to so many people. But ultimately, the music had a life of its own. It charted its own course.”

He said Nirvana “continues to resonate so deeply because people are still hungry for authenticity,” and for “something real, something uncompromising.” “Kurt would have loved that legacy,” he said. “Thank you all so much.”

MTV announced Nirvana as the 2026 recipient on Sept. 9, the 34th anniversary of the band’s first VMA performance. That 1992 appearance included a backstage run-in with Axl Rose, and the band opened with a few defiant bars of “Rape Me,” a song MTV had asked them not to play, before launching into “Lithium.”

The band’s run ended in April 1994, when Cobain died at age 27. Nevermind has since sold more than 30 million copies. Nirvana is the first band to win the Video Vanguard Award since Duran Duran in 2003.

🎬SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox🎬

Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

A two-story home does not automatically need twice as many motion sensors as a one-story house. The right number depends on the floor plan, interior traffic patterns, entry points and where a sensor has a clear view without creating avoidable false alarms.

For homeowners with a basement or third floor, the challenge gets more technical. Concrete, tile, ductwork and other building materials can affect wireless communication between devices, while stairs, pets and HVAC airflow can complicate motion detection.

Unsure if your home security setup leaves coverage gaps between floors? Get a free ADT quote and in-home assessment to design a floor-by-floor layout tailored to your home’s exact structure.

How many motion sensors do you need for a two-story house?

A practical starting point for a two-story home is one motion sensor on each floor, placed in a high-traffic area with a clear view of likely movement. Larger or more segmented homes may need additional sensors. Door and window sensors should protect individual entry points separately.

ADT says its current motion sensor uses passive infrared (PIR) technology and provides wide-area coverage. Actual coverage depends on the room, mounting position and conditions.

Start With the Home’s Movement Patterns

Look first at the paths connecting exterior doors to the rest of the house:

• Main floor: A central living area or hallway near an exterior entry
• Second floor: A hallway or stair landing where movement between bedrooms and the stairs is visible
• Basement: A path from the basement entrance or stairs into the living area
• Large open rooms: A position that covers several approaches without furniture blocking the sensor

The goal is useful interior coverage, not a motion detector in every room.

PIR Motion Sensors Need Careful Placement

PIR sensors detect changes in infrared energy associated with heat and movement. Placement, therefore, affects both coverage and false alarms. ADT recommends mounting its current motion sensor about 6.5 feet from the floor and placing it in a corner with a clear view.

Watch Pets, Vents and Windows

Pet immunity does not make a motion sensor immune to every animal-related false alarm. ADT’s current motion sensor has adjustable sensitivity intended to reduce false alarms from pets under 85 pounds. Placement still matters, especially with pets that climb onto furniture or otherwise enter the sensor’s detection field.

Avoid positioning a sensor where a pet can jump onto a sofa, cabinet or other elevated surface directly in its detection field. ADT also advises against aiming motion sensors toward stairs when pets use them.

HVAC airflow deserves the same attention. ADT specifically advises against placing the sensor in drafty areas or where air conditioners, fans or forced-air heating vents affect the sensor. Drafts from open windows and moving curtains can also contribute to false alarms.

A corner that looks ideal on a floor plan can therefore be a poor installation point once airflow, furniture and pet movement are considered.

Related: Can Home Security Systems Be Hacked? How To Protect Your Cameras and Alarms

A Multi-Story Security System Needs More Than Motion Sensors

Motion detectors provide interior coverage. Entry sensors protect the openings themselves. For a multi-story home, consider the vulnerable doors and windows first, then use motion detection to cover the interior routes connecting those areas.

Area

Primary protection

Purpose

Front door

Door sensor

Detects opening of the main entry

Back or side door

Door sensor

Covers secondary exterior access

First-floor windows

Window sensors

Protects accessible openings

Accessible upper windows

Window sensors

Covers windows reachable from roofs, decks or nearby structures

Basement windows

Window sensors

Protects lower-level openings

Main living area

Motion sensor

Detects interior movement

Stairway or upper hallway

Motion sensor

Covers movement between levels

Basement

Motion sensor

Detects movement away from protected openings

Rooms with substantial glass

Glass-break sensor

Adds detection around vulnerable glass

Relying on motion sensors alone leaves a gap in perimeter protection. A door or window sensor can identify an opening at the entry point rather than waiting for movement to reach an interior motion detector.

Don’t let concrete floors, ductwork or bad placement create dangerous security dead zones. Schedule a free consultation with ADT to build a reliable multi-story security plan without the guesswork.

Wireless Coverage Gets Harder Across Multiple Floors

A wireless sensor that works well on the main floor may communicate differently through a basement ceiling or upper floor. Building materials and physical obstructions can weaken radio signals. CISA notes that structures and dense materials can cause signal attenuation and affect in-building wireless coverage.

Multi-story homes introduce potential obstacles such as:

• Concrete or other dense construction between floors
• Metal ductwork and mechanical equipment
• Dense walls and structural materials
• Greater distances between sensors and the system’s base

The exact radio technology depends on the security platform. ADT’s current standalone motion sensor lists 1.9 GHz DECT ULE communication, so older references to 345 MHz or 915 MHz systems should not be treated as specifications for current ADT equipment.

If a system uses a mesh network, compatible repeaters or additional network nodes can extend communication paths. The appropriate solution depends on the equipment and the home’s construction. A weak signal should be diagnosed rather than assuming another motion sensor will solve it.

Related: Best Home Security System for Off-Grid Cabins and Homes Without Reliable Power

Multiple Keypads Make More Sense in Taller Homes

A single keypad beside the front door may be convenient in a one-story house. In a three-level home, another control point can be useful near bedrooms, a garage entrance or a basement living area.

ADT’s Command Touchscreen can control the security system and connected smart-home devices, and ADT offers an optional secondary wireless touchscreen for control elsewhere in the home. Its current Command Touchscreen specifications support up to eight secondary touchpads or touchscreens.

The useful question is where you regularly arm, disarm or check the system. A second control point becomes more practical when the primary panel is inconvenient to reach from the areas where your household spends most of its time.

What is the best home security system for a multi-story house?

The best home security system for a multi-story house is one that accounts for the home’s actual entry points, interior traffic patterns, wireless communication and sensor placement. Motion sensors should complement door and window protection rather than replace it.

When comparing systems, ask for a floor-by-floor equipment plan showing:

• Which exterior openings receive sensors
• Where motion detectors will be mounted
• How pets will affect motion coverage
• Whether any sensor sits near an HVAC vent, fan or draft
• How the system handles wireless communication between floors
• Where keypads or other controls will be located

ADT’s current system includes PIR motion sensors with adjustable pet-friendly sensitivity, and ADT provides professional installation options for its security systems.

If you’re concerned about dead zones or false alarms, a free ADT quote and in-home assessment can give you a floor-by-floor equipment plan before you commit to a system. The assessment can be used to compare the proposed coverage with your home’s doors, windows, stairs and living areas.

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.